An amateur boxer is inviting the people of Mildenhall to take ringside seats when he dons his gloves and steps into the ring to raise funds for a mental health charity.

Father-of-two Adam Britton, 33, a sales manager at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, which is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council, is gearing up for the White Collar Boxing Night which will take place on Saturday 30 March at The Dome Leisure Centre, Mildenhall.

He hopes the event will raise as much money as possible for mental health charity, Mind, and that boxing will inspire young people to stay positive, active and off the streets.

“On a personal level, 2018 was a difficult year and so I came into this year wanting to do something I have never done before,” said Britton, an Everyone Active employee for the last four years.

“Boxing is particularly big in the local area, and I personally watch it a lot. It plays a big role in supporting local young children by keeping them out of trouble and transforming their lives. I’ve seen the influence it has and that really is the reason I decided to step into the ring.

“I also want to raise awareness for single full-time dads to help them get more support and to inspire more to be role models to their children. I think it’s important to show that nothing should stop you thriving and achieving something.”

In addition, Adam is supporting Eastgate Amateur Boxing Club, which means the charity fight night will also raise awareness and funds for the club.

As well as training twice a week at Eastgate, Adam is making good use of the gym and swim facilities at his disposal at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and taking part in a number of classes.

“I train quite a lot anyway and try and keep myself fit, but this has been harder than I thought,” Britton said.

“Having Dale Robertson at Eastgate train me has been brilliant, as have the facilities at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre. My colleagues have also been very supportive of what I’m doing.”

Anselm Guernsey, general manager at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, said: “All of our colleagues understand why this event is so important to Adam and, as a site, it’s pleasing that we have been able to support him to get ready for the event and raise money and awareness for such a worthy cause.